What is a Parking Brake?
2 Answers
Parking brake refers to the manually operated brake installed in motor vehicles, commonly known as the handbrake, used to stabilize the vehicle after it has come to a stop, preventing accidents caused by rolling on inclined surfaces. The typical handbrake is usually positioned where the driver's right hand naturally rests, making it easy to use. Some automatic transmission models on the market feature a foot brake located outside the driver's left foot, serving the same function as the handbrake. Some advanced models are also equipped with an electronic parking brake system. Functions of the Parking Brake: Preventing the vehicle from rolling after stopping, facilitating smooth starts on slopes, and providing temporary or emergency braking when the service brake fails. Under normal circumstances, the parking brake should not be used to slow down the vehicle before it comes to a complete stop. In all cases, when parking and leaving the vehicle, the driver should firmly pull the parking brake lever. How to Use the Parking Brake: To engage the parking brake, press the brake pedal down and pull the parking brake lever all the way up. To release the parking brake, press the brake pedal down, slightly pull the parking brake lever up, press the button on the handle with your thumb, and then lower the parking brake lever back to its original position.
I remember when I first started driving, I once forgot to pull the handbrake when parking on a slope, and the car slowly slid for a distance, almost hitting the roadside guardrail, which gave me a scare. The parking brake is that handbrake device in the car, usually a lever or button, used to lock the rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling when parked. It's different from the foot brake; the foot brake is used for deceleration or momentary stopping, while the handbrake is a long-term fixed safety tool. Especially on steep mountain roads, it's essential to develop the habit of pulling it properly. Some older cars use a lever, while newer models mostly switch to electronic buttons, which are more convenient to operate but more expensive. Mechanics often say that if the handbrake cable is old or rusty, its effectiveness will weaken, requiring regular maintenance. I've always valued this function because it can prevent many accidents, such as the car sliding into the road and disrupting traffic or causing more serious incidents. So, before turning off the engine, I always check to ensure it's properly engaged for safety.
